Panhandler Arrested In Attempted Murder

(LAS VEGAS, KXNT)–A man who witnesses say solicited money from a group of people on a downtown Las Vegas street corner has been arrested on attempted murder charges. 31 year old Timothy Dudley is accused of stabbing Zachary Battista, 20, near Fourth and Fremont Sunday morning.

Dudley told police he was shoved during an altercation. A 3 1/2 inch folding blade was taken from him at the scene. Doctors tell police an artery in Battista’s heart was punctured. He is described in critical condition and has been unresponsive.

Dudley told arresting officers the altercation was over the wording on Dudley’s shirt. Hde also told police he was a former member of the Irish Republican Army. He was accompanying a friend at the corner. Battista was part of a group of people at the corner.